W/ Dave. The "steep" in this ever-narrowing couloir just keeps coming at you like 100 degree days in a Phoenix July. But it's worth the effort. Our approach was a long one with eye-popping views of corniced ridgelines, the Pfeifferhorn and too many other Wasatch peaks to enumerate. This is a snow-climb only category for me. We bagged North Thunder, of course, then exited via Bells Canyon. The only unexpected turn of events in the 10.5-hour day was getting caught in a fast-moving thunderstorm above the upper meadow. Thank goodness the only negative result of that was being drenched to the bone. #2 5-8-12 w/ Dave again. Lean snow year but the Needle today was still quite good. Crampons from the Maybird bridge all the way to the top of the Needle. Out Bells Canyon again.

A fine couloir climb! One of my favorites. There is a fun variety of terrain: from large stream crossing to dense forest to boulder fields to steep snow, and stunning scenery. This is one of my favorite outings in the Wasatch.